Python Projects for Beginners
Python Projects for Beginners
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Python derives its popularity as a programming language from more than its expressive name. Since the language is
versatile and easy to read and learn, it has a huge fan base among coders and developers in countless industries.
How big is that base? Developers ranked Python as the language they most want to learn, according to a 2020
survey by Stack Overflow (https://insights.stackoverflow.com/survey/2020#technology-programming-scripting-
and-markup-languages-all-respondents). (Note: Developers also ranked it as their third “most-loved”
Hi there! language.)
Do you have any 👋
Overall, nearly half of all developers work in Python, making it a vital skill for questions
new and aspiring programmers
about this bootcamp?toOur
learn.
admissions team is here to help.
Perhaps you have ventured into the world of Python programming, immersing yourself in keywords, variables, loops,
and functions — but now you’re wondering about the next step and asking, What are some Python projects I can do
as a beginner? Great question! Since practical experience is a must for programmers who want to learn a new
language and develop a portfolio, now is the perfect time to learn by doing.
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Below we have compiled a collection of 12 Python projects for beginners listed in order of difficulty. These projects
will help you test your mastery of the language’s essentials
GET while INFO
BOOT CAMP continuing the learning process. Don’t worry if you
can’t complete all of these projects — learning any coding language requires constant trial, error, and learning. And,
in case you’d like to learn even more, we’ll cover some suggested educational paths as well.
1. Math Exercises
Math exercises are a good place to get comfortable with Python’s syntax and style. Write some code to conduct
simple math calculations (addition, subtraction, etc.) but with caveats.
For instance, write a short program that asks the computer to request and add two variable inputs. Then, adjust the
program to perform a specific task based on the result. For example, print a specific statement if the sum is
between 10 and 20, above 100, or print “no negative numbers” if a subtraction problem delivers a corresponding
result. You can gradually expand the program to make it more elaborate and the tasks more complex.
Skills Tested
These exercises offer a good introduction to using Python’s math conditions. For example, “a != b” means “a does
not equal b.” You also will have the chance to learn about defining functions and commands such as “if” and “else,”
and you’ll likely come away with a better understanding of the importance of indenting certain lines of code to
avoid error messages.
This is a popular programming exercise for newcomers — one that Python sites pitch as a great project for kids
(https://www.kidscodecs.com/python-mad-libs/). The concept is quite simple: write the text of your story, leaving
openings for the specific inputs (e.g., nouns, verbs, adjectives) for which you will ask. Once the user adds those
inputs, your Python code will complete the story. The story can be as long and as creative as you like.
Skills Tested
Writing a Mad Libs program makes you more comfortable working with strings and variables. A key element of
Python, this is a method of storing sequences of data (https://www.khanacademy.org/computing/ap-computer-
science-principles/programming-101/strings/a/storing-strings-in-variables) — usually numbers, symbols, or
words. This project also teaches the various ways to perform string concatenation, which is the process of
combining strings.
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3. Number-Guessing Game
This game often serves as the first project for many coders (https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/number-guessing-
game-in-python/). The program generates a random number, the user makes a guess as to what the number is,
and the program responds with clues (e.g., “too high”, “too low”) until the user guesses correctly. The program also
counts the number of attempts required to guess the number.
This project introduces coders to Python modules, which you can import from an existing library. Many modules
are available, including those that generate random numbers (https://docs.python.org/3/library/random.html). To
write the program, users first will import a random-number module into their code. Modules such as this help
simplify the coding process.
Skills Tested
In addition to learning about modules, programmers will have the chance to hone their skills with inputs, variables,
statements such as “if” and “else,” and while loops. Broadly, these factors can aid a coder’s general understanding
of text-based commands; specifically as they pertain to numeric algorithms and mathematical accuracy.
4. Password Generator
Password generators are easy to find, but why not design your own with a few lines of code? Creating a password
generator (https://www.101computing.net/random-password-generator/) isn’t difficult, though you can alter the
parameters to give your password (and your code) more variety. How would you mix upper- and lower-case
letters? Do you want to add numbers or other keyboard characters? How many of each character should be
included? You can set all of these conditions in your code to create stronger passwords.
Skills Tested
You’ll work with the Random (https://docs.python.org/3/library/random.html#random.Random) library (a built-in
module used to generate random numbers) and strengthen your algorithm-development muscles. Depending on
the complexity of the password string you create, the code can range from simple to complex. Start with an eight-
character password, then keep going.
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This game, like the number guessing game, also begins by importing a function from the Python random module.
Skills Tested
Coders again can firm up their understanding of while loops and “if,” “else,” and “elif” statements. A few extra steps
will be required because of the number of game combinations involved.
6. Hangman
Ready for another game involving random strings, variables, and loops? Hangman is a great option.
Hangman is a guessing game (https://youtu.be/8ext9G7xspg?t=1465) involving letters and words rather than
numbers. The computer chooses a random word from a list, and the user guesses letters until they figure out the
hidden word. The game itself is simple, but the code tends to be a bit more involved. It requires step-by-step
instructions that the computer needs to recognize letters guessed, both correctly and incorrectly, and the number
of guesses needed to determine the word. Writing this type of program helps beginners learn how to debug code
as well.
Skills Tested
Strings get more complicated in Hangman since you want to display the letters the player has guessed. While
loops and “elif” statements also play a big role, as does the variable establishing how many guesses are allowed
before “Hangman” is achieved and the player loses. Further, a large word list resource from which the computer
will randomly choose each game’s word is also required.
7. Contacts List
Ready to tackle a functioning app instead of a game? Why not try building a contacts list
(https://stackoverflow.com/questions/24575909/simple-python-contact-list), similar to the one available on your
phone?
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This project represents a new challenge since you’ll be asking for a variety of string inputs and then allowing the
user to interact with them (update, search, delete,
GET etc.).
BOOTFirst,
CAMPyou’ll
INFOcreate the parameters for a contacts list, and
then you’ll provide the ability to manipulate them. That’s where this project grows more ambitious.
Skills Tested
You’ll work to become comfortable with classes, lists, strings, and functions in Python to create a contacts list. The
code will contain plenty of “if” and “else” statements, which can get tricky to track but are well worth the effort.
8. Tic-Tac-Toe
While Tic-Tac-Toe (https://techvidvan.com/tutorials/python-game-project-tic-tac-toe/) might be an easy game to
play, it’s another step up in the coding degrees of difficulty. You can program the game for player vs. player or
player vs. computer and design a game board as elaborate as you like. With more experience, you might consider
using a Python library (such as Pygame (https://www.pygame.org/news)) to create a user interface with images
and sound effects. Eventually, you can create an AI algorithm through which the computer learns how to win at Tic-
Tac-Toe.
Skills Tested
You’ll work with classes to create game players, functions to play the game, and loops and conditional statements
to teach the computer the rules of Tic-Tac-Toe. The code will also include “try” commands
(https://docs.python.org/3/tutorial/errors.html) (i.e., commands designed to test pieces of code for errors and
general functionality) to test for valid moves in the game.
9. Web Scraper
Data analysts employ Python for a variety of projects since it’s an easy language to use for web scraping. Web
scraping is the process of finding data from the internet, choosing specific data from the set, and using that data
for a specific purpose (e.g., analysis, storytelling).
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Skills Tested
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You may work with a variety of libraries and packages, including one called Beautiful Soup
(https://pypi.org/project/beautifulsoup4/) that is used for web scraping. This skill is important in conducting data
analytics and fintech projects. This exercise will hone your ability to navigate both HTML and XML files as you seek
different types of information.
Skills Tested
You’ll work with a variety of variables, including how to define a.m. and p.m. in your code. You’ll also work to create
while loops to operate the alarm properly, and you can get more advanced by incorporating music or video files as
the alarm is activated through the code.
You can use the currency library to display currency values and, better yet, convert them
(https://itsourcecode.com/free-projects/python-projects/currency-converter-in-python-with-source-code/): U.S.
Dollar to Euro, Canadian dollar to Chinese Yuan, U.S. Dollar to Bitcoin, and many more. Since the library includes
historical values, you can perform conversions in the currency values of past years as well.
Skills Tested
You can become more comfortable importing libraries and using Python to download and work with data. In
addition, to create a graphical user interface (GUI), you can familiarize yourself with interfaces such as Tkinter
(https://wiki.python.org/moin/TkInter), which this currency converter tutorial (https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=1VVlRgDZ0bg) explores.
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This project has a fun side as well: it’s possible to write programs that generate automated messages on social
media, allowing people to post regularly on an account while learning Python. Who knew wishing friends and
family “Happy Birthday” on Facebook could be so educational? The applications of this code are endless — have
fun with it and simplify your social media activities for life!
Skills Tested
This is an opportunity to learn more about the tools and APIs available to Python. Among them is the Social Post
tool from Ayrshare (https://pypi.org/project/social-post-api/), which can be imported and used to set up the
automating process. From there, you’ll write code in Python to create posts on different platforms, upload media,
and even retrieve analytics.
Are These Projects Too Advanced? Here’s How You Can Get
Started With Python to Build Your Portfolio
Perhaps some of these projects appear daunting, and you want to expand your knowledge of Python before
tackling them. The good news is, you have several options.
Python’s wide use in programming and development makes it a popular subject in college programs and
bootcamps. In addition, independent learners will find free or low-cost online courses, exercises, and video tutorials
in all things Python.
What is my goal? Do I want to learn Python for fun, or do I want to acquire skills for a new career?
How much time and money do I want to devote to learning Python?
With those questions in mind, here’s a look at some pathways for studying Python.
Bootcamps
Bootcamps are typically concentrated and short-term educational courses that tailor their focus to specific fields
such as coding (/coding/), data analytics (/data/), or fintech (/fintech/). In a bootcamp, you’ll spend 3-6 months
acquiring the in-demand skills that employers value in a tech-centered workforce.
Bootcamps can be the right fit for coding beginners and working professionals who want to pursue a career in tech.
They cover essential skills, guide learners in building project portfolios, and fit flexibly into a working schedule. Even
better, employers take notice of bootcamp (https://info.hackerrank.com/rs/487-WAY-049/images/HackerRank-
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2020-Developer-Skills-Report.pdf) learners, with more than 70 percent of hiring managers considering them as
qualified or more qualified than other recent hires,
GET according to HackerRank.
BOOT CAMP INFO
Python can be a major component of bootcamp courses in coding, data analytics, and fintech. For example, the
second of three modules in Columbia Engineering Data Analytics Boot Camp (/data/) is called “Python Data
Analytics,” which delivers a strong foundation in the language. This bootcamp can be a gateway to the expanding
fields of data analysis and data science, which the U.S. Department of Labor projects will grow by 31 percent in the
U.S. (https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Careers/Occupations/occupation-profile.aspx?
keyword=Data%20Scientists&onetcode=15205100&location=UNITED%20STATES) through 2029 thanks to an
increased cross-industry demand for stronger internal technology and data infrastructure.
Columbia Engineering FinTech Boot Camp (/fintech/) positions Python at the center of its financial programming
module. Learners use Python and APIs to run financial analyses and build apps that use real-time data. The
bootcamp further covers financial modeling, cryptocurrency, and machine learning applications in finance. Careers in
financial analysis (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/financial-analysts.htm#tab-4) depend more
and more on computing skills, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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Additionally, Columbia Engineering Coding Boot Camp (/coding/) prepares learners for careers in web development,
in which Python is also important. After acquiring
GETthe skillsCAMP
BOOT needed to become a full stack developer, learners can
INFO
immerse themselves in Python as part of a free continuation course. Python is one of the tools covered in this phase,
where material is available on-demand for one year after learners complete the bootcamp. Further, the continuation
courses are project-based, offering learners the opportunity to develop portfolios that illustrate their Python
programming abilities.
Obtaining a college degree is an excellent path to working in a computer-related field. If you have the financial
resources and can devote the time needed to complete an undergraduate program, a bachelor’s degree may be a
good fit for you.
Independent Learning
Are you a financial professional who wants to learn Python to develop stock forecasts? Do you run a website and
want to glean more insight from Google Analytics data? Or maybe you’re simply inquisitive, industrious, and eager to
learn a new skill? No matter the reason, self-starters can make Python a personal project and learn independently.
As noted earlier, Python is considered a comparatively easy language to learn. However, it certainly still requires
dedication and hard work for coding beginners to grasp the concepts of classes, objects, and functions. But, with
time and patience, you can learn to write functional and fun programs in Python. And, if you get stuck on a project,
there are plenty of resources available to help you figure it out.
Free and low-cost online courses (https://www.edx.org/learn/python) are available to take you step-by-step
through Python. They provide introductions to the language, teach the syntax and techniques of coding, and explore
methods to use Python for data science, research, and finance. In addition, a YouTube search yields a variety of
Python video tutorials that will allow you to view every step of writing a Python program.
Python programmers (from beginners to experts) conduct these tutorials, which can make it difficult to assess their
veracity and usability. With careful vetting and diligence in your studies, you can still develop a strong Python skill
set independently.
Building a Project Portfolio
A coding portfolio serves as an important companion to your resume; while your resume explains where you’ve
worked and what you’ve achieved, a portfolio shows how this expertise has been put to the test.
Coding portfolios are a great asset for those searching for tech jobs — especially recent college graduates,
bootcamp learners, and the self-taught, (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-do-job-seeking-developers-need-
github-lynn-ng) according to LinkedIn. If an employer can visit your website to view your work, you have a better
chance of standing out from the competition.
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What is Python?
Python is a high-level, object-oriented programming language that can be used for many purposes. As a high-
level language, Python employs easy-to-read syntax commands that it converts to machine code. As an
object-oriented language, Python organizes programs into classes and objects that are reusable within and
between projects.
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